'Fakhar, PCB should resolve differences'

Shoaib Akhtar offers words of wisdom to both parties

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar weighed in on the ongoing tension between opening batter Fakhar Zaman and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Akhtar offered words of wisdom to both parties, urging them to set aside their differences for the betterment of Pakistan cricket.

Speaking on a local news channel, the 49-year-old expressed his disappointment over Zaman's prolonged exclusion from the Pakistan squad, attributing it to "ego battles" within the team management.

"He [Fakhar Zaman] is a good, mature, and committed player, but you've unnecessarily benched him due to ego battles," said Akhtar.

"Even if you don't play him now, you will need him sooner or later - if not today, then tomorrow."

The 'Rawalpindi Express' also offered some advice to the left-hand batter, urging him to focus on his performances rather than making public statements.

"Fakhar also needs to understand one thing: he should stop giving such statements. Instead, he should perform and let his bat do the talking," he said.

Notably, the opening batter was overlooked for Pakistan's white-ball squads for the ongoing series against South Africa.

Pakistan's interim head coach Aqib Javed, in a statement released by the PCB, cited his fitness as the reason for his exclusion.

"Fakhar Zaman was not considered as he is yet to regain form and match fitness," Javed was quoted by the PCB.

The 34-year-old, however, when asked about his fitness during the ongoing Champions T20 Cup, shared that he is fit and ready to play whenever given the chance.

"I'm fit, and that's why I'm playing. If there is a chance, I will play. I started my career at the Champions Trophy and I'm thankful that my performances were good and we won matches there. In this Champions Trophy, my only effort will be to play well and win games," said Fakhar.